Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Jim Garrett, president CEO of Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, donates $1 to buy the site to park board president Marie Ryan and Sen. Hastings

Parkland for the future: convert Tinley Park Mental Health Center to recreational center

Posted on June 28, 2023June 28, 2023 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Parkland for the future: convert Tinley Park Mental Health Center to recreational center
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Parkland for the future: convert Tinley Park Mental Health Center to recreational center

Sen. Hastings, others urge Pritzker to sign bill for Tinley plan

By Steve Metsch

State Sen. Michael Hastings recalls the fun he had as a boy at the Tinley Park Park District facilities.

He wants more kids to have such fun.

“I grew up in this community,” Hastings said. “I swam in that pool when it first opened.”

Getting the water park built required teamwork, he said: “Our community came together. It spurred friendships, partnerships.”

Jim Garrett, president CEO of Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, donates $1 to buy the site to park board president Marie Ryan and Sen. Hastings
Jim Garrett, president CEO of Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, donates $1 to buy the site to park board president Marie Ryan and Sen. Hastings

 

With that in mind, Hastings along with other legislators and local organizations, held a news conference at White Water Canyon Water Park on 171st Street on June 27 regarding the possible fun for future generations.

 

They urged Gov. JB Prtizker to sign a bill that would result in a huge recreational development at the former home of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center.

Located at the northwest corner of 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, 280 acres of land has been vacant since the center closed in 2012.

The Tinley Park Park District wants control of the site, has plans for 90 of the acres that includes baseball/softball diamonds, soccer/football fields and other amenities which officials said will be for not just village residents but the entire Southland.

House Bill 3743 will soon be sent to Pritzker, who has 60 days to sign it.

“The Tinley Park Park District has the full support of the General Assembly,” Hastings said.

“We figured out how to get this massive space done,” he said nodding toward the water park. “Look at all the parks in Tinley Park … They know what they’re doing.”

Passed by the Illinois General Assembly in May, House Bill 3743 it would turn over the site of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to the Tinley Park Park District.

The state has also committed $15 million for environmental cleanup of the long-vacant property.

HB 3743 would sell the land to the Park District for $1, saving Tinley Park taxpayers over $4.5 million to purchase the site, which the Village of Tinley Park had previously offered.

The bill prohibits any form of gaming at the site, supporting the feedback of residents.

Joining Hastings and the Park District Board of Commissioners at the press conference today were State Reps. Robert Rita, Debbie Meyers-Martin, and Justin Slaughter, as well as representatives of the Cook County Building Trades Council, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, South Suburban Special Recreation Association, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, Tinley Park Bulldogs, Moraine Valley Community College, local youth organizations, south suburban school boards, and south suburban area park districts.

Tinley Park Mental Health Center, Park District, Senator Michael Hastings. State Reps. Robert Rita, Debbie Meyers-Martin, and Justin Slaughter, as well as representatives of the Cook County Building Trades Council, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, South Suburban Special Recreation Association, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, Tinley Park Bulldogs, Moraine Valley Community College

Plans laid out by the park district in November include a playground and sports facilities fully accessible for people living with special needs, multipurpose athletic fields, a domed sports complex with a full-size soccer field, a stadium with a track, a splash pad, concession stands, spectator stands, lighting, ample parking, as well as a pond, picnic areas and open green space.

Since the plan was released to the public, it has gained widespread community support and private developer interest.

Shawn Roby, executive director of the park district, said there are no cost estimates for the recreation facilities when the construction rolls around.

“The cost of this is going to be decided as we work with the stake holders, to be honest with you. We need to spend some time. When we unleashed this to the public in November, we were getting phone calls. ‘Hey, what about an indoor swimming platform? Ice rinks?’ So, this still needs some work as we move forward,” Roby said.

“Private-public sponsorships are going to have to be discussed now as we move forward with the development of all 280 acres or something,” Roby added.

Lisa O’Donovan, Park District Board Commissioner and Chair of a new committee being established to oversee the project, said the district is “excited and encouraged.”

“The vision for the site developed by our Board of Commissioners will benefit Tinley Park residents, schools and community organizations, and our plan will create new opportunities for the entire southland region to travel to and enjoy Tinley Park,” she said.

“I’m very excited about the future of the Tinley Park-Park District. They are an excellent fiduciary to demolish the Tinley Park Mental Health Center and redevelop it into a first- class recreation facility,” Hastings said.

The village has not been supportive of the park district’s efforts to secure the land, and that was mentioned by several speakers.

“There are a lot of misrepresentations and falsehoods that have been made by the Village of Tinley Park regarding this project. I hope those misrepresentations never come to light for the best interest of the residents, and for those who made them. Further, I hope that the Village of Tinley Park will become a non-combative and participative partner,” Hastings said.

Rita said the show of support makes him “proud to represent Tinley Park and the entire Southland region.”

Hastings noted that the park district “helps out kids” and “the village chose to not participate.”

“Stop pointing fingers and focus on helping people,” Hastings added.

John Curran, 69, former director of the park district, said he is impressed by the “fantastic” plan.

“We always wanted to build a sports complex to serve not only our town but the south suburban area,” said Curran, who retired six years ago.

Before the news conference, park board president Marie Ryan said “come on, Gov. Pritzker, let’s go.”

“I couldn’t be more excited. We’ve been waiting a long time for this to happen,” said Ryan, board president for 20 years.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ - August 10, 2023
  • Weathering personal storms - July 20, 2023
  • Countryside solution irks some - July 20, 2023
NPV: 42
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:and Justin Slaughter, as well as representatives of the Cook County Building Trades Council, Beth McElroy Kirkwood, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Debbie Meyers-Martin, HB 3743, Illinois Environmental Council, Jim Garrett, Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, Marie Ryan, Mike Hastings, Moraine Valley Community College, park district, president CEO of Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, press conference, Robert Rita, Senator Michael Hastings, Sierra Club, South Suburban Special Recreation Association, State Repsresentative, Tinley Park, Tinley Park Bulldogs, Tinley Park Mental Health Center

Post navigation

Previous Post: Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members
Next Post: LyonsFest begins Friday, June 30 at Veterans Park

Related Posts

  • Photo caption: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cicero Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Cicero Senior Director Diana Dominick, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Illinois Adjutant General Major General Richard R. Neely, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, State Rep. Michael Zalewski, and Morton High School Supt. Dr. Tim Truesdale. Photo courtesy of the Town of Cicero.
    Pritzker tours vaccination center at Morton East High school coronavirus
  • Chicagoland No. 2 destination for U-Haul renters News
  • Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty speaks at the Lyons Fire Department 125th Anniversary commemoration for the Firefighter Memorial Dedication.
    Video of Village of Lyons dedication of Firefighter Memorial Cook County
  • METRA Train hits front of Bus in Orland Park Fe. 4, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection DIstrict
    School bus stalls on tracks hit by train in Orland Park, no injuries Cook County
  • Mahnoor Ahmad candidate for Congress Illinois 6th District
    Many good candidates on March 19 Democratic primary ballot Blogger
  • The King's Pawn book cover. By Aaron Hanania. Science Fiction novel, published in 2018
    Video Interview: Aaron Hanania talks about his new book Aaron Hanania

More Related Articles

Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia Police searching for Hammond homicide suspects after vehicle chase, crash in Tinley Park Cook County
Town of Cicero Alley. Courtesy of the Town of Cicero Study shows Cicero has lowest tax increases in Chicagoland Chicago
Classified Ads at SuburbanChicagoland.com and TheArabDailyNews.com Classifieds: Job available in health and social services Business
J.B. Pritzker from his campaign Facebook Page at UFCW union endorsement. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Rauner’s Blago Ad shows he fears Pritzker most Blogger
HOBO is holding closing sales at all seven of its locations including Joliet and this store at 87th and Cicero in Oak Lawn. (Photo by Bob Bong) Bob Bong on Business: Hobo stores closing Business
Orland Park Veterans commemorate Veterans Day. Photo courtesy of the Village of Orland Park Orland Park Commission to salute Veterans  Baby Boomers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme